What do the Chase Hyatt and Sapphire Preferred have in common? Both cards are issued by Chase and offer rewards that can be used for Hyatt stays. The Chase Hyatt card normally issues two free nights, but members routinely get targeted for 40,000 bonus point offers. Meanwhile, the Sapphire Preferred offer 50,000 bonus points and has twice the spending requirements. So which credit card should you get? Below is a comparison of the Hyatt Visa vs. Sapphire Preferred based on four key features:
Sign-up Bonus: Tie
The Sapphire Preferred offers 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points after $4,000 spent in 3 months. Meanwhile, there are two types of sign-up bonuses for the Hyatt Visa. The publicly available offer is 2 free nights at any Hyatt hotel worldwide after $2,000 spent in 3 months. However, there is also a targeted offer of 40,000 Hyatt points after $2,000 spent. Clearly, the point offer is terrible when compared to the Sapphire Preferred’s 50,000 bonus. But what about the two free nights?
Hyatt’s top-tier hotels require 30,000 points for a free night. So the 2 free nights bonus from the Chase Hyatt Visa could be worth the equivalent of 60,000 points. Which bonus is better really depends on what type of hotel you plan on staying at. If you’re staying at a Category 5 hotel or higher, you’re better served by the Hyatt Visa’s 2 free nights. You’ll have half the spending requirements of the Sapphire Preferred and you can book a higher category hotel.
However, if you’re looking to book a Category 4 hotel or less, you’re better off with the Sapphire Preferred’s sign-up bonus. You’ll have enough points for 3 – 10 nights, depending on the hotel category. Thus, we’ll call this category a tie.
Currency: Chase Sapphire Preferred
This one is simple. The Sapphire Preferred earns Ultimate Rewards points while the Hyatt Visa earns Hyatt points. Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed with nearly a dozen airline and hotel partners. Or you can put them to use at the Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal, where they will be worth 1.25 cents each. Flexibility is key, so this round goes to the Sapphire Preferred card.
Category Bonus: Sapphire Preferred
The Sapphire preferred earns 2 points per $1 spent on travel and dining. Meanwhile, the Hyatt Visa earns 3 points per $1 at Hyatt hotels only and 2 points per $1 on dining, directly airline ticket purchases, and car rentals. That’s not as great as the flat 2 points per $1 earned on travel and dining – no chain restrictions. Yes, you’re giving up 1 extra point at Hyatt hotels but you’re going to miss out on bonus points altogether if you stay at a different chain.
Annual Fee: Hyatt Visa
The Chase Hyatt Visa has a $75 annual fee while the Sapphire Preferred’s is $95. In exchange for the $75 annual fee, Hyatt Visa cardholders get an annual free night that good at any Category 1 – 4 hotel. Cardholders also get upgraded to Hyatt Discoverist status, which comes with benefits like 10% bonus points, late check-out and premium in-room wifi. Those aren’t spectacular benefits, but they are better than the nothing offered to Sapphire Preferred cardholders.
According to the criteria above, the Sapphire Preferred comes out ahead of the Hyatt Visa. I agree with this – the Sapphire Preferred earns a more flexible rewards currency and better category bonuses. However, I do see value in getting the Hyatt Visa for the two free nights, especially if you redeem them at a high-category hotel. Moreover, the $75 annual fee is a bargain in exchange for the annual free night at a Category 1 – 4 hotel. It all comes down to what you’re looking for in a credit card. Personally? I see value in getting both cards for the sign-up bonus and keeping the Hyatt Visa for the recurring benefits.
I’d like to know your take on this. Which credit card do you prefer: The Hyatt Visa or Sapphire Preferred?
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com